CUBS 2, RANGERS 1

Hit and miss

Cubs starter Yu Darvish struggled with his fastball in the first two innings but started using his slider more in the next two and got into the fifth, allowing only one run. He said he felt good by the time he finished and figures he’s where he needs to be at this point in camp.

He also hit two batters, as he said he wanted to do when he faced his old team, but neither was Rougned Odor or Joey Gallo and neither was close to intentional.

‘‘I was trying,’’ a joking Darvish said. ‘‘But that was just mistakes.’’

Depth check and trade talk

President Theo Epstein said he thinks the bullpen depth is better than it was last season and is enough to withstand some of the early bumps, bruises and injuries afflicting the relief corps. He said talk this week about the Cubs looking at trade possibilities was misconstrued.

‘‘I don’t foresee anything significant at all at this time,’’ he said.

Descalso iffy for opener

Epstein said it’s too early to tell whether the sore shoulder that has sidelined infielder Daniel Descalso for the week will prevent him from opening the season on time. Descalso hasn’t played since Saturday.

Prospect watch

Infielder Nico Hoerner, the 2018 first-round draft pick who has gone 6-for-9 with four extra-base hits on loan from minor-league camp, is opening eyes all the way to the top of the organization.

‘‘Obviously, he’s played well, which is impressive,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘But I think even more significant is the way he’s handled himself.’’

Epstein said the Cubs haven’t determined whether to push Hoerner and start him at Class AA this season.

On deck

Cubs at White Sox, Glendale, 3:05 p.m. Friday, 670-AM, Cole Hamels vs. Lucas Giolito.

— Gordon Wittenmyer